The moment of truth for Pirates to be in or out of the top 8

Orlando Pirates Football Club are in a position where they are not used to in the PSL. The team has never been out of the top 8 at the end of all the PSL seasons since the league was incepted 20 years ago. Pirates’ fans are now hoping for their new coach Kjell Jonevret to win a few games left for the team in the current season. They are only hoping for a top 8 finish and the Nedbank trophy.

Pirates is the only team to use all their goalkeepers in one season in the PSL. They have already used all their 4 goalkeepers this season as Felipe Ovono, Jackson Mabokgwane, Brighton Mhlongo and Siyabonga Mpontshane have all been given a chance to keep goals against the team this season.

All the 4 goalkeepers have not proved to be worth being Pirates goalkeepers as they have conceded a number of goals which were not supposed to have been goals. They have let the team and supporters down and that is the reason that all the goalkeepers were given a chance to play and so far they are all equal when it comes to selection.

Kjell Jonevret has used Siyabonga Mpontshane more than any other goalkeeper at Pirates. The KZN born goalkeeper has done much better until the game against Baroka FC where he let in a goal that was not supposed to have been a goal. He should have saved the ball instead of trying to handle it. The mistake he did was also done by all other Pirates goalkeepers in previous games.

The position is now open for all the other goalkeepers but it seems Jonevret is happy with Mpontshane. Siyabonga must prove himself if he is given a chance again. If he is dropped for today’s match, his confidence will be affected negatively and that means he will have to start all over again when he gets another chance in future.

Brighton Mhlongo on the other side is waiting for a second chance with all his heart. Mhlongo has done much better for the team before the arrival of Muhsin Ertugral who shuffled the team that went to the finals of the CAF Confederations Cup and the Nedbank Cup unnecessarily.

Jackson Mabokgwane still has to prove to the fans that he was signed because he has the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in the country but so far he has not done anything to convince the Pirates fans and management for them to extend his contract when it expires.

Felipe Ovono has tried but luck has not been on his side as he conceded amateurish goals. Ovono seemed a bit out of confidence when in goals for Pirates but when in goals for his country he has done well all the time. It seems Ovono needs more game time to gain enough confidence to be able to reach his great form in club football.

Pirates should make sure they are in the top 8 position by the end of the season so that they do not disappoint their fans and the reputation of the Pirates brand.